My experiences in training and competing as a professional triathlete while also managing motherhood and being married to an Army Officer!

Me and my agent, but more importantly GREAT friend!

Jess and Amanda

Swimming in Lake Taupo, New Zealand

"How sweet it is!"

Jessica Jacobs...IRONMAN CHAMPION!!!!

Ironman Florida, 2010 Women's Champion in a time of 9:07:50

Crossing the finish line

Representing 'Ol Glory!!!

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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

It's Me!

Hi! Welcome to the Jessica Jacobs triathlon blog! I'm happy you took the time to sit down and read about me, my life in triathlon and life in general! Well, most of this blog will be about triathlons. Why? Well, for several reasons. Number one, I am a triathlete and it is who I am, not what I do. It encompasses every aspect of my life. When I wake up (4:00 Am) to what I eat (Lots of Gu!), to who my friends end up being (Other athletes). It decides when I get to see my daughter on the weekends and how much energy I have to snuggle up with my husband. I am blogging about triathlons because it is what I am. But I guess that there is a little more to me. I am a daughter and the youngest of eight cheese heads...Go Packers! I am a veteran of the United States Army, am the mother of a beautiful three year old girl and wife to the most supportive man I have ever known and can't believe God sent into my life. SO why would you listen to me? I don't know. Maybe you've heard about me via news articles or videos regarding some of my success and are interested in peaking into my life, thoughts, adversities I face and how deal with it all. I guess even if no one ever reads this, it can be a way for me to put my thoughts on paper, or digits, or something. I am guessing that this will be fun and if I can inspire others in the process than all the better! I am hoping to write twice a week and discuss my training, life, and answer any questions anyone might have regarding triathlon, being a professional, a mother, wife, or anything else on your mind! Now that I am a professional with a dedicated coach, I seem to be training more than I ever thought possible. But when I get tired I just pinch myself and say "Can you believe I get paid to do this? I do get paid, right?" Now, let me be frank - it's definitely NOT about the money...not at all!!! I actually decided to go Pro to inspire my daughter. I wanted to be an example for her to go after any and all dreams she may have in her bright future. I want to say to my grandkids some day, "Yes, Grandma was a professional athlete!" How cool will that be?!?! Also, as mentioned, I served our great nation for 6 1/2 years and loved the Army, my position and leadership roles. However, anyone that served knows it is a very selfless career and you are not allotted the opportunity to "do whatever you want." At times you are sent to the field on exercises for weeks at a time, work very long hours (12 hour days are a norm) and often times deployed. This lifestyle doesn't exactly fit into the proper mold a triathlete (or any athlete for that matter) to truly master their craft. I would get a good couple weeks of running, cycling and swimming in and then told, "Hey, Jacobs, you're going to be on the night shift for the next FTX (field training exercise), so get ready to be at the office @ 1700 (5pm) and you'll be released by NET (no earlier than) 0700 (7am) - yup, that's the price you pay for a 3-year ROTC scholarship! Now, please don't mistake my belly-aching for the absolute respect and admiration I have for our military. I loved the military, my soldiers, my leadership influence and miss it everyday, but there were times that frustrated me to no end because I was constantly putting my triathlon training on the back burner. Therefore, today is "pay-back" time for the time "borrowed" when I gave to the country. I decided about a year ago I was going to do this...it's now or never!